STM32F217ZGT6 - 120MHz Cortex-M3 MCU | STMicroelectronics
MPN: STM32F217ZGT6 ✓ ActiveSTM32F217ZGT6 Overview
A microcontroller is a programmable semiconductor that integrates a processor core, memory, and peripherals into one package. The STM32F2 family belongs to the hierarchy of ARM Cortex-M3 core > 32-bit RISC microcontroller > embedded processing system > semiconductor. STM32 devices are commonly programmed in embedded control systems where real-time execution, peripheral integration, and low-power operation are important.
Key features include up to 120 MHz operation, 150 DMIPS at 1.25 DMIPS/MHz using Dhrystone 2.1, and zero-wait-state execution from Flash through the ART Accelerator. The device provides 17 timers, three ADCs, 15 communication interfaces, Ethernet support, USB OTG high-speed and full-speed operation, and camera connectivity. A memory protection unit supports isolated execution environments for more reliable embedded software.
The Cortex-M3 architecture combines deterministic interrupt handling with Thumb-2 instruction support. The 1 MB Flash configuration provides room for substantial firmware, while the 128 KB SRAM supports working memory for communications, control loops, and peripheral data. The reported operating voltage options are 2.5 V and 3.3 V, matching common industrial, communications, and embedded-control system rails.
Typical applications include industrial control and automation, Ethernet-connected equipment, USB data acquisition, camera-based imaging, medical monitoring, and real-time embedded control. Its combination of Ethernet, USB, timers, ADCs, and camera interfaces allows one controller to consolidate functions that might otherwise require several discrete components.
The primary design consideration is PCB and firmware validation. Because the STM32F217ZGT6 uses a 144-pin LQFP, its 0.5 mm pitch, analog and digital supplies, clock circuitry, and high-speed communication routing require careful layout. Confirm the exact pin functions, decoupling requirements, and peripheral multiplexing against the manufacturer datasheet before layout release.
This page consolidates distributor specifications, verified sourcing links, drop-in alternatives, application guidance, and package-specific design considerations. It also distinguishes documented facts from parameters that still require confirmation, providing engineers with a more useful basis for MCU selection and procurement.
Drop-in alternatives for STM32F217ZGT6 — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
STM32F207ZGT7
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32F217ZGT7
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32F217ZGT5
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
STM32F217ZGT6 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | 32-bit ARM Cortex-M3 microcontroller |
| Maximum CPU Frequency | 120 MHz |
| Core Architecture | ARM 32-bit Cortex-M3 with ART Accelerator |
| Flash Memory | 1 MB (1M x 8) |
| SRAM | 128 KB |
| Backup SRAM | 4 KB |
| Peak Performance | 150 DMIPS at 1.25 DMIPS/MHz |
| Benchmark | Dhrystone 2.1 |
| Memory Protection Unit | Yes |
| Ethernet MAC | Yes |
| USB Interface | USB OTG HS/FS |
| Cryptographic Capability | Yes |
| Camera Interface | Yes |
| Timer Count | 17 |
| ADC Count | 3 |
| Communication Interface Count | 15 |
| Supply Voltage Options | 2.5 V or 3.3 V |
| Package | 144-pin LQFP (20 x 20 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| Lifecycle Stage | Active |
STM32F217ZGT6 144-pin lqfp (20 x 20 mm) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for STM32F217ZGT6 (144-pin lqfp (20 x 20 mm) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for STM32F217ZGT6.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
STM32F217ZGT6 is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Automation and PLC Control, USB Data Acquisition and Test Equipment, Ethernet-Connected Embedded Gateway, Camera-Based Imaging Controller, Medical Monitoring Equipment, Real-Time Motor and Power Control.
Industrial Automation and PLC Control
The STM32F217ZGT6 fits industrial automation because its 120 MHz Cortex-M3 core, 17 timers, and three ADCs support responsive control loops while 1 MB Flash accommodates substantial application firmware. The integrated Ethernet MAC can connect the controller to supervisory equipment without requiring a separate network processor. A typical implementation uses the timers for pulse and motor-control timing, the ADCs for analog sensor channels, and isolated Ethernet hardware for plant communications. The 144-pin LQFP also exposes a broad set of GPIO and peripheral options. Engineers should partition analog and digital supplies, follow the manufacturer decoupling requirements, and validate timing with the final industrial wiring and isolation arrangement.
Recommended
USB Data Acquisition and Test Equipment
The STM32F217ZGT6 is appropriate for USB-connected measurement equipment because it supports USB OTG HS/FS, three ADCs, and a 120 MHz processing core. The microcontroller can coordinate sampling, buffering, calibration, and host data transfer while the 128 KB SRAM supports working memory and 1 MB Flash stores control firmware. In an instrument design, the ADC inputs still require appropriate front-end amplification, anti-alias filtering, and source impedance analysis. USB routing must follow the controller layout guidance for impedance and return-path continuity. Firmware should enumerate the required USB speed, configure synchronization, and define how measurements are buffered or streamed to the host.
Recommended
Ethernet-Connected Embedded Gateway
The STM32F217ZGT6 can serve as an embedded Ethernet gateway because it combines an Ethernet MAC, 120 MHz Cortex-M3 core, 1 MB Flash, and 128 KB SRAM. It is suitable for protocol conversion, remote telemetry, industrial sensing, and equipment-control nodes where local processing is required between the network and local interfaces. The PHY, isolation transformer, magnetics, and connector are external design elements, so software support alone does not guarantee communication readiness. A practical design should define buffering, timeout, and retry behavior while preserving deterministic interrupt latency. Supply sequencing and Ethernet clock quality should be reviewed alongside the MCU power requirements to avoid network resets during startup.
Recommended
Camera-Based Imaging Controller
The STM32F217ZGT6 is suitable for camera-based imaging control because the verified family information includes a camera interface alongside 120 MHz processing, 128 KB SRAM, and 1 MB Flash. It can handle sensor configuration, exposure sequencing, frame-management tasks, and system communications in compact industrial or medical imaging modules. External image memory may still be necessary when frame buffers exceed internal SRAM, and the complete sensor timing and signal levels must be verified against the camera interface specification. Keep high-speed camera traces away from sensitive analog paths and provide clean local decoupling. Firmware validation should cover frame-loss recovery, exposure timing, and simultaneous operation with Ethernet or USB communication.
Recommended
Medical Monitoring Equipment
The STM32F217ZGT6 can support medical monitoring equipment that requires deterministic real-time processing, acquisition channels, and network or USB connectivity. Its 120 MHz Cortex-M3 core, 17 timers, three ADCs, and memory protection unit allow sensor sampling and control functions to be consolidated in a compact 144-pin LQFP design. The memory protection unit is useful when separating firmware components, although it is not a substitute for formal medical certification or safety validation. Analog front-end design, patient isolation, input protection, and calibration are system-level requirements. Power isolation and leakage behavior should be evaluated independently of the MCU. Any medical use also requires the appropriate quality-system, risk-management, and regulatory process for the finished device.
Recommended
Real-Time Motor and Power Control
The STM32F217ZGT6 is appropriate for real-time motor and power-control systems because its 120 MHz Cortex-M3 core and 17 timers provide deterministic execution and multiple timing channels. The three ADCs support synchronized feedback from current, voltage, and position sensing, while 1 MB Flash and 128 KB SRAM allow complex control algorithms to run locally. PWM outputs and advanced timer resources can drive inverters, gates, or actuators when the external power stage is designed correctly. High-current switching circuitry remains outside the MCU and requires its own gate drivers, protection, layout, and thermal engineering. Validate timing margins, analog filtering, current limits, and fault shutdown behavior across worst-case operating conditions.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for STM32F217ZGT6 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | STM32F207ZGT7 | STM32F217ZGT7 | STM32F217ZGT5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics | STMicroelectronics |
| Package | LQFP-144 (20 x 20 mm) | LQFP-144 (20 x 20 mm) | LQFP-144 (20 x 20 mm) | LQFP-144 (20 x 20 mm) |
| Core | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M3 | ARM Cortex-M3 |
| Maximum Frequency | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz | 120 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 1 MB | 1 MB | 1 MB | 1 MB |
| SRAM | 128 KB plus 4 KB backup SRAM | 128 KB plus 4 KB backup SRAM | 128 KB plus 4 KB backup SRAM | 128 KB plus 4 KB backup SRAM |
| USB Support | USB OTG HS/FS | Earlier-generation USB configuration; verify against manufacturer datasheet | USB OTG HS/FS | USB OTG HS/FS |
| Cryptographic Capability | Yes | Not documented as equivalent to the STM32F217 cryptographic feature set | Yes | Yes |
Key Differentiators
- USB high-speed and full-speed support (vs STM32F207ZGT7)
- Integrated cryptographic capability (vs STM32F207ZGT7)
- Large Flash and SRAM configuration (vs STM32F207ZGT7)
- Direct same-family ordering-code flexibility (vs STM32F207ZGT7)
Design Notes
Treat the 144-pin LQFP as a high-pin-count fine-pitch design. Place decoupling and bulk capacitors close to the appropriate supply pins, preserve continuous ground references beneath the device, and route sensitive analog inputs away from switching nodes and high-speed USB or Ethernet traces. The verified sources identify 2.5 V and 3.3 V supply options, but each rail's exact pin connections and decoupling values must be taken from the manufacturer datasheet before schematic release.
Separate analog, digital, and clock-related return paths wherever the STM32F217ZGT6 design permits. ADC inputs require short traces, controlled source impedances, and anti-alias filtering, while Ethernet and USB interfaces need short symmetric routes and continuous reference planes. Camera-interface traces should be length-controlled and isolated from power-converter switching areas. Validate the final stack-up and impedance-controlled nets with the PCB manufacturer rather than relying on nominal software defaults.
Do not assume that sharing the LQFP-144 footprint proves that every alternative is electrically and firmware interchangeable. The STM32F207ZGT7 may differ from the STM32F217ZGT6 in USB high-speed, cryptographic, peripheral, clock, or peripheral-routing details. Compare the exact pin table, alternate-function mapping, reset behavior, power requirements, and startup sequence, then recompile and regression-test the application before substituting any candidate.
Plan supply sequencing and noise control before placing the MCU in the schematic. Ethernet magnetics, cameras, transceivers, and actuator drivers can create dynamic current demands that disturb sensitive analog rails. Use separate filtering paths where practical, local bulk energy near the load, and the manufacturer-prescribed bypass network at the STM32F217ZGT6. Validate startup, load transients, voltage tolerance, and brownout behavior in the assembled system rather than relying only on steady-state simulation.
Compliance Information
The verified excerpts identify the component as active but do not provide extractable RoHS, REACH, AEC-Q100, lead-free, halogen-free, or conflict-minerals statements. These fields remain unknown rather than being inferred.